Page 21 of Ruthless Possession
It is not until the server leaves the room that he tilts his head to one side and says in a conversational tone, “I have no parents, Bianca. They were killed a long time ago by one of my business rivals. You, little bird, are going to form part of my plan for revenge.”
* * *
Rio
Many thoughts swirlin my head as dinner progresses. The one that bothers me most is the way my heart seemed to skip a beat when Bianca entered the dining room.
I don’t allow anything in my life that threatens my self-control. Clearly, Bianca’s presence does just that. And yet, I need her here to secure the Carlotti business in a legal fashion, and shore up the Agosti power base so that no one can take it away.
In that almost-white dress, with her hair tumbling down her back like a dark cascade, and so little makeup that I can see a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose as well as the purpling bruise on her cheekbone where Danelli’s man hit her, she is nothing like the women in my world.
She is innocent and naïve, and if there were any other way to get what I need, I would cut her loose.
There is not.
If I don’t use her, one of my rivals will. And they will be less lenient than I in how she is treated.
Bianca’s innocence is only an asset in this world, until someone secures it for themselves.
I need to ensure that someone is me.
I wait until dessert and coffee are served before I speak on the matter.
“There is a meeting later tonight that I need you to be present for,” I say.
She jumps in her chair, as if my very voice frightens her, but then her mouth sets in a stubborn line and she shoots me a look that says very clearly that she is not afraid of me. She gives off so many mixed messages, I cannot quite get a read on her.
“What sort of meeting, and why do you need me there, Rio?”
“A business meeting. I wish to introduce you as my fiancée, and I need you to cooperate with that concept.”
“Hmm.” She taps her lips with a finger, the action instantly drawing my attention to her mouth.
I want to ravish that mouth until it is swollen and begging me for more. And then I want it wrapped around my cock while I sink my fingers into her beautiful hair and guide her head while she pleasures me.
I shift in my chair, ignoring the desire that begins to harden my flesh. “I meant what I said earlier, Bianca. There will be dire consequences for those you care about, should you not comply with my wishes.”
“Oh, yes. I believe you.” She lifts her coffee cup and takes a sip, before clattering it back onto the saucer with a force that threatens to shatter the china. “I will go along with your ridiculous notion, for now. But please believemewhen I say I will do everything in my power to avoid marrying you. Ihateyou, Rio, more than I’ve ever hated anyone in my life. And the thought of being married to you? It turns my stomach. I would rather poke out my eyes with a fork than endure your touch…Oh…”
She breaks off as I jump to my feet, and she clutches a hand to her throat when I circle around the table. I grab her by the upper arms and haul her up out of the chair, pulling her against me so there will be no doubt in her mind whatsoever about the effect of her words on me.
She gazes up, her expression a mix of fear, fury, and unwilling desire. The swelling on her injured eye has settled, though the bruising is still forming. In some ways, it makes her unusual eye color stand out more.
When I smile down at her, I can almost hear the growl of rage that I know wants to burst out of her.
“My touch repulses you, does it?” I grind my erection into her stomach, and her eyes half close.
“Your passion can be fueled by pleasure, or it can be fueled by hatred, but you cannot hide your need, Bianca. I sense it, and now you know my response.”
“I don’t…”
“Oh, little bird. You do.” I lean down, testing her, and brush my lips across hers.
A small mewling sound escapes her, and she doesn’t pull away.
“I don’twantto want.” Her voice is so faint it is almost not there at all, and her eyes shimmer with unshed tears. “I hate you and everything you stand for.”
“I know. And you should. But you will play your part tonight, Bianca, because if you do not…”